Local Designer Creates Merchandise for Fort Wayne Komets

James Farr's designs now available at the Komets Shop

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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James Farr, a local designer from Fort Wayne, Indiana, has created a new line of merchandise for the Fort Wayne Komets hockey team. Farr, who owns a store called James' Corner Store, has had a lifelong passion for design and wanted to create products that represent his adopted hometown. The Komets were impressed with Farr's designs and have started selling his t-shirts, hoodies, and hats in their team store.

Why it matters

This collaboration between a local designer and the popular Fort Wayne Komets hockey team highlights the growing trend of teams and organizations partnering with community-based creators. It also showcases how passionate local residents can contribute to the culture and identity of their city.

The details

Farr, who moved to Fort Wayne from Detroit, was already making shirts to celebrate the city's other sports teams when he caught the attention of the Komets' marketing team at a local event. The team was impressed with Farr's designs, especially his oversized print t-shirts, and decided to give him an opportunity to create an official Komets merchandise line. The new products, which include a popular mask t-shirt, are now available for purchase at the Komets' team store and online.

  • Farr has been living in Fort Wayne for almost as long as he lived in Detroit.
  • Farr was showcasing his designs at a UAW Local 2209 event when the Komets' marketing representative spotted his work.
  • The new Komets merchandise line is available for purchase at this weekend's games.

The players

James Farr

A local designer from Fort Wayne, Indiana, who owns a store called James' Corner Store and has a lifelong passion for design.

Rick Bireley

The Merchandise Manager for the Fort Wayne Komets.

Icy D Eagle

The mascot for the Fort Wayne Komets.

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What they’re saying

“I want to now represent where I'm living, at Fort Wayne. I've been here almost as long as I've been in Detroit now, so. That stuff was incredibly hard to find, so I figured I'd create it.”

— James Farr, Local Designer (wane.com)

“We thought, yeah, we need to pursue this a little more and see what he can do. The Komets are a big part of Fort Wayne, and it just kind of made sense to, for the first time ever, give a local person a shot with something and see what happens.”

— Rick Bireley, Merchandise Manager, Fort Wayne Komets (wane.com)

“It's everything I've dreamed of to design for an actual team, and for a team that folks love. The feedback, you know, it's been great. I've had folks reach out and say, 'Hey, dude, I bought the whole thing.' I'm like, I never would have thought I'd ever hear something like that.”

— James Farr, Local Designer (wane.com)

What’s next

The Komets and Farr are planning more collaborative projects to be released in April.

The takeaway

This partnership between a local designer and the Fort Wayne Komets showcases how community-based creators can contribute to the identity and culture of their city. It also highlights the growing trend of teams and organizations seeking out local talent to develop unique merchandise and fan experiences.